How to Find an Inheritance & Probate Lawyer in New Jersey

You don’t always need to hire an inheritance and probate lawyer to help you wrap up someone’s estate -- but you should at least take some time to consider the ways a probate lawyer can help you.

Why Hire an Inheritance & Probate Lawyer

Inheritance & probate law is a specialty, and a good probate lawyer can make a big difference in the results you get. If you decide to hire a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who focuses only or almost exclusively on probate cases, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.

Resources for Finding Inheritance & Probate Lawyers

Here are some recommended ways to find a probate lawyer:

Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates -- anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know a probate lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good probate attorney. (Likewise, if you’ve successfully worked with a lawyer in the past, get back in touch and ask for a referral to a probate lawyer.)

Ask your local bar association. The New Jersey State Bar Association maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of probate lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.

Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving New Jersey. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of New Jersey probate lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.